1787 Fugio Cent - Raised Rims

Coin Details

Description

Classified within the Newman catalog system under the Pointed Rays group, this 1787 Fugio cent with raised rims is distinguished from the more common flat-rim issues by its prominently elevated borders on both obverse and reverse — a die or collar configuration that produced higher protective rims around the coin's periphery. Raised rims result from a deeper collar or modified striking setup that forced more metal upward along the planchet's edge during the coining press operation, creating a more pronounced frame around the design elements. The obverse displays Benjamin Franklin's iconic sundial beneath a radiant sun with FUGIO (Latin, "I fly," referencing the swift passage of time) and the admonition MIND YOUR BUSINESS, while the reverse shows thirteen chain links — one for each original state — encircling the motto WE ARE ONE. Authorized by the Continental Congress on April 21, 1787, and contracted to James Jarvis for production at the New Haven, Connecticut mint, Fugio cents hold the distinction of being America's first federally authorized coinage. The raised rim configuration makes these varieties immediately identifiable even without magnification, as the tall borders cast visible shadows and protect the interior design from contact wear more effectively than flat-rim types. Moderately scarce, raised rim varieties are among the more distinctive and collectible Fugio cent types, offering die variety specialists a visually dramatic example within the broader Newman classification framework.

Rarity Notes

Moderately scarce. Raised rim varieties are distinctive and collectible.

Cross References

Newman; Pointed Rays, raised rims group